The Last Something That Meant Anything

With tracks like “Jamie All Over,” “Black Cat,” “When I Get Home You’re So Dead,” “Jersey,” and of course “Miserable At Best,” Mayday Parade proved their brand of soft-spoken, emotion-filled (and sometimes piano-laced) rock songs were just as captivating and heartfelt as their “heavier” Warped Tour counterparts. 

I first heard of Mayday Parade when I was 13 or 14 and into an entirely age inappropriate band called Mindless Self Indulgence. I had ordered an MSI hoodie and the merchandise store included a sample of Mayday Parade’s first full length album, A Lesson in Romantics in the package. This was the first time I ever fell in love with a pop punk band.

Mayday Parade aren’t known for writing happy songs, so the tears continued for most of the night, especially when they threw three of the most emotional ones at us, one after the other. Miserable at Best is always beautiful live, and it wasn’t long until the crowd’s singing started to drown out Derek and Jake’s soft tones, making it really feel like our show.

One Good Thing About Music, When It Hits You, You Feel No Pain

Music plays a giant role in my life. It changes everyday, but still gives me the same feeling. The world is too quiet without music. The following poem is written by Janis Thompson which ultimately describes my love for music. 

Music To My Ears

I love to hear coins in a jar
parades approaching from afar
beautiful John Barry tunes
a timer ringing a second too soon.

I love to hear a cat meow
the laughter of a little child
heavy rain upon my roof
words you can accept as truth.

A ringing phone is musical
it means there is a chance in all
the world to hear a welcome voice
for moments to laugh and rejoice.

When I go shop for anything
in winter, summer, fall or spring
I look and look at each detail
until I hear the words, “ON SALE”

My ears adore the music of
sounds that speak, committed love.
Until which time God sends the elf
I’ll make them as I write myself.

There is a music sweeter than
the human ear can understand.
No inkling of a sound is heard.
The heart must listen to the words.